Chevrolet
Malibu
Chevrolet Malibu: official NHTSA recalls, fault code help and maintenance guides.
Licensed photo · Photo creditMakeChevrolet
ClassMidsize car
Model years (US)2000–2026
New registrations (EU)2011–2016, 2019–2024
Recall dataNHTSA (United States)
Generations and technical specifications
Chevrolet Malibu – Ninth generation2015–2026
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Production | 2015–2024 (US) 2016–2026 (China) |
| Model years | 2016–2025 (North America) 2018–2021 (Philippines) 2016–2022 (Middle East and South Korea) 2017–2019 (Uzbekistan) |
| Body styles | 4-door sedan |
| Layout | Front-engine, front-wheel-drive |
| Platform | E2XX platform |
| Engines | gasoline 1.35 L EcoTec Turbo I3 1.5 L EcoTec Turbo I4 (China: 535T) 2.0 L EcoTec Turbo l4 2.0 L EcoTec Turbo l4 (China: 550T) 2.5 L LKW l4 hybrid 1.8 L LKN Hybrid l4 diesel 1.6 L LH7 Turbo Diesel I4 |
| Electric motor | 2 × 121 kW GM Voltec integrated electric motors (Malibu Hybrid) |
| Transmissions | 6-speed GM 6T45 automatic (2016–2022) 7-speed DCG DCT (2016–2018) 8-speed Aisin AWF8F45 automatic (2016-2018) 9-speed Hydra-Matic 9T50 automatic (2017–2025) GM Voltec 5ET50 (MKE) (2016–2019) Multi-mode two motor, electronic continuously-variable automatic transaxle (Hybrid model) GM CVT250 (MRG) CVT (2019–) |
| Drivetrain | Power-split (Hybrid) |
| Battery | 80-cell 1.5-kWh Li-ion |
| Wheelbase | 2,830 mm |
| Length | 4,923 mm 4,933 mm |
| Width | 1,854 mm |
| Height | 1,455 mm 1,476 mm (Malibu XL) |
| Kerb weight | 1,400–1,568 kg |
| Assembly | United States: Kansas City, Kansas (Fairfax Assembly) China: Shanghai (SAIC-GM) South Korea: Bupyeong (GM Korea) Uzbekistan: Tashkent (GM Uzbekistan) Azerbaijan: Hajigabul (AzerMash) |
| Designer | Jaymer Starbody (2012) |
Chevrolet Malibu – Eighth generation2011–2019
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Production | October 18, 2011 – 2016 (North America) 2012–2019 (China) |
| Model years | 2013–2015 2016 (Malibu Limited) 2013–2019 (China) |
| Body styles | 4-door sedan |
| Layout | Transverse front-engine, front-wheel drive |
| Platform | GM Epsilon II SWB/GMX351 |
| Engines | gasoline 1.5 L EcoTec Turbo l4 (China) 1.6 L EcoTec Turbo I4 (China) 2.0 L EcoTec Turbo I4 2.4 L LEA l4 2.5 L LCV/LKW I4 3.0 L LFW V6 (GCC) gasoline hybrid 2.4 L LUK I4 diesel 2.0 L VCDi Turbo Diesel I4 |
| Transmissions | 6-speed 6T40 automatic 6-speed 6T70 automatic 6-speed Aisin AWTF-80 automatic (South Korea) 6-speed manual (Europe and Uzbekistan) |
| Drivetrain | BAHVs (Malibu Hybrid Generation II) |
| Wheelbase | 2,738 mm |
| Length | 4,859 mm |
| Width | 1,854 mm |
| Height | 1,463 mm |
| Kerb weight | 1,539–1,660 kg |
| Assembly | Detroit, Michigan, U.S. (Detroit/Hamtramck Assembly) Kansas City, Kansas, U.S. (Fairfax Assembly) Bupyeong, South Korea (GM Korea) Jinqiao, China (Shanghai GM) Tashkent, Uzbekistan (GM Uzbekistan) Kaliningrad, Russia (Avtotor) |
| Designer | Dan Gifford (2009) |
Chevrolet Malibu – Seventh generation2007–2012
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Production | 2007–2012 |
| Model years | 2008–2012 |
| Body styles | 4-door sedan |
| Layout | Transverse front-engine, front-wheel drive |
| Platform | Epsilon platform/GMX386 |
| Engines | 2.4 L LE5 I4 (gasoline) 2.4 L LE9 I4 (gasoline/E85) 2.4 L LAT I4 (hybrid gasoline) 3.5 L LZ4 V6 (gasoline) 3.5 L LZE V6 (gasoline/E85) 3.6 L LY7 V6 (gasoline) |
| Transmissions | 4-speed 4T45 automatic 6-speed 6T40 automatic 6-speed 6T70 automatic |
| Drivetrain | BAHVs (Malibu Hybrid Generation I) |
| Wheelbase | 2,852 mm |
| Length | 4,872 mm |
| Width | 1,786 mm |
| Height | 1,450 mm |
| Kerb weight | 1,549–1,655 kg |
| Assembly | Kansas City, Kansas, U.S. (Fairfax Assembly) Orion Township, Michigan, U.S. (Orion Assembly) |
| Designer | Bryan Nesbitt (2004) |
Chevrolet Malibu – Sixth generation2003–2008
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model code | GMX380 |
| Production | July 2003 – 2007 (Malibu and Malibu Maxx) 2008 (Malibu Classic) |
| Model years | 2004–2007 2008 (Malibu Classic) |
| Body styles | 4-door sedan 5-door liftback (Malibu Maxx) |
| Layout | Transverse front-engine, front-wheel drive |
| Platform | Epsilon platform/GMX380 |
| Engines | 2.2 L L61 I4 (gasoline) 3.5 L LX9 V6 (gasoline) 3.5 L LZ4 V6 (gasoline) 3.9 L LZ9 V6 (gasoline) |
| Transmissions | 4-speed 4T45-E automatic 4-speed 4T65-E automatic |
| Wheelbase | 2,700 mm (Malibu) 2,852 mm (Malibu Maxx) |
| Length | 4,770 mm (Malibu Maxx) 4,783 mm (Malibu) |
| Width | 1,773 mm (Malibu Maxx) 1,775 mm (Malibu) |
| Height | 1,460 mm (Malibu) 1,476 mm (Malibu Maxx) |
| Kerb weight | 1,440–1,549 kg (Malibu) 1,569–1,642 kg (Malibu Maxx) |
| Assembly | Kansas City, Kansas, U.S. (Fairfax II Assembly) |
| Designer | Crystal Windham (interior: 2000) |
Chevrolet Malibu – Fifth generation1996–2005
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model code | GMX130 |
| Production | October 1996 – 2003 2004 – April 2005 (Classic) |
| Model years | 1997–2003 (Chevrolet Malibu) 2004–2005 (Chevrolet Classic) |
| Body styles | 4-door sedan |
| Layout | Transverse front-engine, front-wheel drive |
| Platform | GM N platform |
| Engines | gasoline 2.2 L L61 I4 2.4 L LD9 I4 3.1 L L82/LG8 V6 |
| Transmissions | 4-speed 4T40-E automatic |
| Wheelbase | 2,718 mm |
| Length | 4,836 mm |
| Width | 1,763 mm |
| Height | 1,433 mm |
| Assembly | Wilmington, Delaware (Wilmington Assembly) (1997–1999) Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (Oklahoma City Assembly) (1997–2001) Lansing, Michigan (Lansing Car Assembly) (2001–2005) |
| Designer | Wayne Cherry (1993) |
Engines and transmissions
| Model years | Engine | Transmission | Drive | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019–2025 | 1.5 L, 4 cyl | CVT (continuously variable) | Front-wheel drive | Petrol (regular) |
| 2017–2020, 2022 | 2.0 L, 4 cyl | 9-speed automatic | Front-wheel drive | Petrol (premium) |
| 2021 | 2.0 L, 4 cyl | 9-speed automatic | Front-wheel drive | Petrol (regular) |
| 2016–2019 | 1.8 L, 4 cyl hybrid | CVT (continuously variable) | Front-wheel drive | Petrol (regular) |
| 2016–2018 | 1.5 L, 4 cyl | 6-speed automatic | Front-wheel drive | Petrol (regular) |
| 2016 | 2.0 L, 4 cyl | 8-speed automatic | Front-wheel drive | Petrol (regular) |
| 2013–2015 | 2.0 L, 4 cyl | 6-speed automatic | Front-wheel drive | Petrol (regular) |
| 2013–2015 | 2.5 L, 4 cyl | 6-speed automatic | Front-wheel drive | Petrol (regular) |
| 2013–2014 | 2.4 L, 4 cyl hybrid | 6-speed automatic | Front-wheel drive | Petrol (regular) |
| 2008–2012 | 2.4 L, 4 cyl | 6-speed automatic | Front-wheel drive | Petrol (regular) |
| 2010–2012 | 2.4 L, 4 cyl | 6-speed automatic | Front-wheel drive | Petrol or E85 (flex-fuel) |
| 2008–2012 | 3.6 L, 6 cyl | 6-speed automatic | Front-wheel drive | Petrol (regular) |
| +8 more configurations |
Fuel economy (EPA)
| Model years | Configuration | Combined | City | Highway |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019–2025 | 1.5 L, 4 cyl · CVT (continuously variable) · Front-wheel drive | 7.4–7.8 L/100 km | 8.1–8.7 L/100 km | 6.5–6.7 L/100 km |
| 2017–2022 | 2.0 L, 4 cyl · 9-speed automatic · Front-wheel drive | 9.0 L/100 km | 10.7 L/100 km | 7.1–7.4 L/100 km |
| 2016–2019 | 1.8 L, 4 cyl hybrid · CVT (continuously variable) · Front-wheel drive | 5.1 L/100 km | 4.8–5.0 L/100 km | 5.1–5.5 L/100 km |
| 2016–2018 | 1.5 L, 4 cyl · 6-speed automatic · Front-wheel drive | 7.8 L/100 km | 8.7 L/100 km | 6.5 L/100 km |
| 2016 | 2.0 L, 4 cyl · 8-speed automatic · Front-wheel drive | 9.0 L/100 km | 10.7 L/100 km | 7.4 L/100 km |
| 2013–2015 | 2.0 L, 4 cyl · 6-speed automatic · Front-wheel drive | 9.8 L/100 km | 11.2 L/100 km | 8.1 L/100 km |
| 2013–2015 | 2.5 L, 4 cyl · 6-speed automatic · Front-wheel drive | 8.1–9.0 L/100 km | 9.4–10.7 L/100 km | 6.5–7.1 L/100 km |
| 2013–2014 | 2.4 L, 4 cyl hybrid · 6-speed automatic · Front-wheel drive | 8.1–8.4 L/100 km | 9.4–9.8 L/100 km | 6.5–6.7 L/100 km |
| 2008–2012 | 2.4 L, 4 cyl · 6-speed automatic · Front-wheel drive | 9.0–9.4 L/100 km | 10.7 L/100 km | 7.1–7.4 L/100 km |
| 2008–2012 | 3.6 L, 6 cyl · 6-speed automatic · Front-wheel drive | 11.8 L/100 km | 13.8 L/100 km | 9.0–9.4 L/100 km |
| 2000, 2008–2010 | 2.4 L, 4 cyl · 4-speed automatic · Front-wheel drive | 9.4–10.2 L/100 km | 10.7–12.4 L/100 km | 7.8–8.4 L/100 km |
| 2008–2010 | 2.4 L, 4 cyl hybrid · 4-speed automatic · Front-wheel drive | 8.1–8.7 L/100 km | 9.0–9.8 L/100 km | 6.9–7.4 L/100 km |
| +4 more configurations |
Values are the official EPA label figures for each model year, shown as the lowest and highest value for the configuration. Electric models show energy use per 100 km. Real-world consumption depends on driving style, weather and load. Luggage and passenger volumes follow the EPA measuring method and can differ from the VDA figures used in Europe.
EU type-approval data
| Years | Powertrain | Engine | Power | Mass | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012–2014 | Petrol | 2384 cm³ | 123 kW (167 PS) | 1619–1694 kg | 184–188 g/km (NEDC) |
| 2012–2014 | Diesel | 1956 cm³ | 118 kW (160 PS) | 1695–1758 kg | 134–160 g/km (NEDC) |
Years are registration years. Each range runs from the 10th to the 90th percentile of the values reported for new registrations; it is not an average. Mass is the mass in running order. For electric cars the power is the type-approval net power, which can be lower than the peak power in brochures.
Key specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| EPA size class | Midsize car, Large car |
| Model years in EPA data | 2000–2025 |
| Powertrains | Petrol, Hybrid, Flex-fuel |
| Engine displacement | 1.5–3.9 L |
| Cylinders | 4, 6 |
| Transmission types | CVT, Automatic |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive |
| Fuel | Petrol (regular), Petrol (premium), Petrol or E85 (flex-fuel) |
| Configurations listed | 75 |
| Forced induction | Turbocharged (on some versions) |
| Start-stop system | On some versions |
| Luggage volume (EPA) | 368–651 L |
| Passenger volume (EPA) | 2,690–3,002 L |
| Powertrains (EU) | Petrol, Diesel |
| Engine displacement (EU) | 1,956–2,384 cm³ |
| Power (EU) | 118–123 kW (160–167 PS) |
| Mass in running order (EU) | 1,619–1,758 kg |
| Wheelbase (EU) | 2,737 mm |
Years and markets
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model years (US) | 2000–2026 |
| New registrations (EU) | 2011–2016, 2019–2024 |
Owner complaints (NHTSA)
| Component | Complaints | Most reported model years |
|---|---|---|
| Steering | 6093 | 2004, 2006, 2009 |
| Electrical system | 4712 | 2003, 2009, 2013 |
| Engine and cooling | 2833 | 2016, 2017, 2018 |
| Lights | 1883 | 2000, 2005, 2012 |
| Brakes | 1821 | 2000, 2009, 2010 |
| Transmission and drivetrain | 1664 | 2016, 2017, 2018 |
| Stability and traction control | 1339 | 2009, 2010, 2011 |
| Speed control and cruise | 1175 | 2010, 2016, 2017 |
| Fuel and propulsion | 1122 | 2005, 2006, 2018 |
| Airbags | 973 | 2010, 2011, 2012 |
Source: complaints filed by owners with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for model years 2000–2025: 18727 complaints, 751 with a crash and 181 with a fire. Complaints are owner reports that NHTSA has not verified, and one complaint can name more than one component. More complaints can also mean more cars sold.
Recalls
Chevrolet Malibu recall: Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: CameraChevrolet Malibu recall: Structure:frame And MembersChevrolet Malibu recall: Electrical System:softwareChevrolet Malibu recall: Air Bags:side/windowChevrolet Malibu recall: Air Bags:side/windowChevrolet Malibu recall: Air Bags:side/window